The HSBC Cares For Children Fund is supporting the Swim 4 Puttinu swimming marathon taking place at Ta’ Qali Swimming Complex as from 2pm on Friday, 18 March 2005. The 50-hour, 100-kilometre long marathon will raise funds for the Puttinu Cares – Children’s Cancer Support Group, an organisation which was established with the financial backing of the HSBC Cares For Children Fund in September 2002.

Puttinu Cares – Children’s Cancer Support Group works to support children with cancer and their families by providing social as well as financial support in order to improve their quality of life. Apart from organising activities for them, it also provides financial support for those who require special treatment abroad.

The group works with the Paediatric Oncology Department at the Wonderland Ward in St Luke’s Hospital and has helped to refurbish the ward, turning it into a home-from-home environment. The group also supports medical and nursing staff development, which helps to ensure the highest quality of care given.

“It is a very sad fact that every year a number of children in Malta fall ill with varying types of cancer. The fantastic treatment provided at St Luke’s Hospital means that, fortunately, many of the youngsters have a good chance of beating the disease. Nevertheless, the experience is traumatic for both the children and their families. Since 2002, the HSBC Cares For Children Fund has been giving its wholehearted support to the Puttinu Cares – Children’s Cancer Support Group both directly and indirectly. This initiative deserves our utmost support and I am delighted that the Fund will be assisting the volunteers who are taking part,” said the Fund’s Chairperson Mrs Catherine Gonzi.

Throughout the Swim 4 Puttinu Marathon, which will come to an end at 4pm on Sunday 20 March, a number of other activities will be organised at the Ta’ Qali Swimming Complex. On Saturday, 19 March a static car show by the Old Motors Club will take place outside the complex while another static show by the American Auto Club is planned for Sunday. The RAW bikers will also participate throughout the weekend.

In addition, the mobile blood transfusion unit will also be on site on Saturday and Sunday morning, for those who wish to take the opportunity to help save a life by donating blood.

Further details on the Swim 4 Puttinu swimming marathon can be obtained by contacting the event’s coordinator, Matthew Azzopardi on 21418489 or 79240592 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected]